Abstract

FREITAS, Ronilson et al. Risk behavior for eating disorder and associated factors among college students. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.3, pp.881-893.  Epub Dec 31, 2023. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/23psd240308.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with risk behavior for eating disorders among university students in the health area. This is an epidemiological cross-sectional, analytical, exploratory study with a quantitative approach. Data were obtained through a questionnaire that addressed sociodemographic and economic characteristics and lifestyle habits. To assess risk behavior for eating disorders (dependent variable), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used. Anthropometric measurements were also collected. The Poisson regression model was used to obtain estimates of the effect of variables on risk behavior for eating disorders. 364 university students participated in the study, with a mean age of 22.8±4.7 years. It was possible to observe the prevalence of risk behavior for eating disorders in 21.7% of those investigated. The variables that were associated with a higher prevalence of the investigated outcome in the adjusted analysis were: presence of dissatisfaction with body image (PR=2.63; 95%CI: 1.68-4.10), undergoing treatment to lose weight (PR=1.64; 95%CI: 1.05-2.57) and risk of cardiovascular disease assessed through waist circumference (PR=1.54; 95%CI: 1.02-2.31). It is concluded that the prevalence of risk behavior for eating disorders among the study participants was high and lifestyle habits and anthropometric profile are factors that were associated with the observed outcome.

Keywords : Eating behavior; Student health; Health sciences; Epidemiology.

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